DND sees bigger conflict if Bangsamoro law nixed

From ABS-CBN (Oct 3): DND sees bigger conflict if Bangsamoro law nixed

The Department of National Defense (DND) warns of a bigger conflict between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) does not get the approval of Congress.

"We see a bigger conflict other than what we experienced already because of the perception that they [MILF] were deceived by the government [if the BBL is not passed]," said Gazmin at the Senate budget hearing for the DND.

Gazmin, a former soldier, told the Senate that the DND welcomes and supports the BBL.

"What our concern is that we want to stop the war, the ongoing conflict between Muslims and the AFP in the southern part of the Philippines, so that a successful passage would be welcomed by the Armed Forces,'' he said.

He said, with the passage of the BBL, the AFP will be provided with the opportunity to focus on other matters of defense, other than internal security.

Gazmin believes the BBL will be instrumental in uplifting the lives of the people in the area of Bangsamoro, and discourage them from adopting extremism.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/03/14/dnd-sees-bigger-conflict-if-bangsamoro-law-nixed